What Are Scrap Car Prices Per Ton in My Area?
Scrap car prices per ton vary by region. States with steel mills, ports, or dense auto markets tend to offer higher payouts, while remote or rural areas pay less. The map and table below show the average scrap car prices per ton across the U.S., based on metal market conditions.
Price per Ton
Our Pricing Methodology
The prices shown reflect the scrap rates for cars we are paying by state as of December 15, 2025. Pricing is calculated using a per-ton structure and adjusted by location, buyer demand, and vehicle completeness. Rates are reviewed weekly and updated as market conditions change. Once an offer is accepted, the price locks in provided the vehicle matches the details submitted. Final payouts vary if condition or components differ at pickup.
Scrap Car Prices by State
The scrap price of a car varies by state based on buyer demand, transport costs, and local recycling capacity. Right now, the highest payouts tend to be in states like California, Michigan, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey, where steel mills, ports, and dense auto markets support stronger pricing. The lowest rates are seen in more rural or remote states such as Wyoming, Montana, the Dakotas, and parts of the Deep South, where transportation and buyer competition are more limited.
| State | Our Price Range (per ton) | Complete Car Value (1–3.5 tons) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Alaska | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Arizona | $150 to $165 | $150.00 to $577.50 |
| Arkansas | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| California | $165 to $175 | $165.00 to $612.50 |
| Colorado | $150 to $165 | $150.00 to $577.50 |
| Connecticut | $155 to $170 | $155.00 to $595.00 |
| Delaware | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Florida | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Georgia | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Hawaii | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Idaho | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Illinois | $160 to $175 | $160.00 to $612.50 |
| Indiana | $155 to $170 | $155.00 to $595.00 |
| Iowa | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Kansas | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Kentucky | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Louisiana | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Maine | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Maryland | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Massachusetts | $160 to $175 | $160.00 to $612.50 |
| Michigan | $165 to $175 | $165.00 to $612.50 |
| Minnesota | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Mississippi | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Missouri | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Montana | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Nebraska | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Nevada | $150 to $165 | $150.00 to $577.50 |
| New Hampshire | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| New Jersey | $160 to $175 | $160.00 to $612.50 |
| New Mexico | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| New York | $160 to $175 | $160.00 to $612.50 |
| North Carolina | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| North Dakota | $155 to $170 | $155.00 to $595.00 |
| Ohio | $155 to $170 | $155.00 to $595.00 |
| Oklahoma | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Oregon | $150 to $165 | $150.00 to $577.50 |
| Pennsylvania | $155 to $170 | $155.00 to $595.00 |
| Rhode Island | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| South Carolina | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| South Dakota | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Tennessee | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Texas | $155 to $170 | $155.00 to $595.00 |
| Utah | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Vermont | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Virginia | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Washington | $150 to $165 | $150.00 to $577.50 |
| West Virginia | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
| Wisconsin | $145 to $160 | $145.00 to $560.00 |
| Wyoming | $140 to $155 | $140.00 to $542.50 |
How We Determine Scrap Car Pricing
Our scrap car pricing is primarily based on vehicle weight and our current per-ton rates. These factors establish a base value, which may increase when a vehicle includes reusable or high-value components.
Complete vehicles with intact parts such as catalytic converters, aluminum wheels, and copper components typically receive higher payouts than scrap-only shells. This is why our offers often exceed basic weight-based calculations.
We apply this pricing structure consistently across all states, adjusting for location and buyer demand at the time an offer is issued.
Learn how vehicle weight and parts affect total junk car value →
How Vehicle Weight Affects Scrap Pricing
Vehicle weight is the primary factor used to calculate scrap payouts. Heavier vehicles contain more recoverable metal and therefore command higher prices per vehicle. As a reference, compact cars typically weigh around 1–1.5 tons, while large trucks can exceed 3 tons.
We apply this weight-based pricing using our current per-ton rates, then adjust for location, buyer demand, and vehicle completeness.
FAQs About Our Scrap Car Pricing
How often do your scrap car prices change?
Our pricing is reviewed weekly and adjusted based on current buyer demand and metal market conditions. Once you accept an offer, the price locks in as long as the vehicle matches the details provided.
Is now a good time to sell a scrap car?
Yes. While prices tend to soften during winter months, our current rates remain competitive. Selling sooner can help avoid further seasonal declines later in the year.
Does a missing catalytic converter affect the price?
Yes. Catalytic converters contain valuable precious metals. If one is missing, the offer may be reduced depending on vehicle type and remaining components.
Does vehicle condition matter for scrap pricing?
Condition matters primarily in terms of completeness. Vehicles with intact major components typically receive higher payouts than stripped or incomplete cars.
How accurate are the prices shown on this page?
The prices shown reflect the rates we are currently paying. Final offers are issued in real time and lock in once accepted, provided the vehicle matches the description submitted.